Five golfers to watch in 2013

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Kyle Cornett, a junior at Jackson High School, tees off during Sunday's portion of the Snohomish County Amateur golf tournament at the Mill Creek Country Club.
PHOTO SHOT 05272012

Kyle CornettJackson, Sr.Things can't get much better for Cornett. He went wire-to-wire to win the 4A state championship last season, shooting 74 and 71, respectively, in the two-round event. Wet conditions didn't stop Cornett from fulfilling his goal of becoming a state champion.Cornett, who was named All-Wesco first team last season, will attend Seattle University after graduation and play golf for the Redhawks.Head coach Jim Anderson said Corenett's work ethic and competitiveness are what make him special as a player. Those tools might help the Timberwolves senior become back-to-back state champ.Chris HatchKamiak, Sr.Much like Cornett, Hatch had a great state tournament last season. He finished tied for eighth as an individual, shooting 78 on the first day and 76 on the second. The All-Wesco first teamer also helped the Knights win the team state title, squeaking by Bellarmine Prep by four points.First-year Kamiak head coach Vic Alinen said Hatch is a very competitive golfer and is helped by his family, which has a goal of helping him become the best golfer he can be.Alinen and Hatch share a common goal of winning every match and representing Kamiak at the state tournament once again. Bailey WellsSnohomish, Sr.Wells was one of four Snohomish golfers to represent the Panthers at state a year ago. Wells shot an 88 in the first round at state, qualifying to play on the second day. Panthers head coach Ken Roberts said Wells had one of her best rounds of the season on day two with the exception of three holes. Penalty strokes on those holes led Wells to finish with a 97, but Roberts said those penalty strokes made the round appear much worse than it really was.If the All-Wesco first-teamer improves her consistency off the tee and chipping from 30-to-100 yards, Roberts said she has a chance to improve and place in the top-20 in state this season.Rudy CaparasLynnwood, Jr.Caparas finished in 14th place at the 3A state tournament last season, shooting rounds of 74 and 78, respectively. This season Caparas will try his hand at the 4A level after the Royals moved up a classification following the 2011-12 school year. The level of competition at the 4A level is increased just simply based on the fact that the defending 4A state champion is from Wesco.First-year head coach Alex Pfeiffer said will to succeed and determination are two of the qualities that make Caparas so special. Those qualities should help him return to state where he hopes to improve on last season's finish.Alisa WilsonGlacier Peak, Sr.Last season Wilson competed at the 3A state tournament and missed making the cut by just four shots. Head coach Kelvin May said that round was the best of Wilson's season last year and said it was great to see her play her best in the biggest tournament of her career. Wilson's goal for this season is to get back to state and make it to the second day, while also helping the team win a league and district championship.Wilson is unique because she came into her first year of golf as a sophomore with no previous experience. May said the progress she has made in two seasons is "incredible and is a real testament to her work ethic and dedication."

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